“She bailed into the woods as soon as she saw the Jackals.” His gaze instantly moves to Diana, and I can almost taste the tension that grips him. “Don’t worry. She won’t get far on foot.”
Kane just grunts and stomps back towards his vehicle. Diana and Rowan quickly follow, and I’m drawn along behind them like the lost kid on a field trip. I want to sweep Diana into my arms and pretend none of this death and ugliness ever happened, but if I’m not here when the authorities arrive, therewill be hell to pay. And possibly a few dead Jackals if the cops are feeling trigger-happy.
A good case in point wanders over as we reach the car. He’s a massive guy with a cocky grin and a ginger beard even more unkempt than Kane’s. He’d look like a leprechaun if he wasn’t almost eight feet tall and encased head to toe in black leather. “Never thought I'd see the day Killjoy Kane chose a cage over a bike.”
Kane just shrugs at the massive biker. “It's the pack life, Gunnar. You should try it sometime.”
He folds his arms, watching as the others pile into the SUV. Diana’s blood-smeared beta is stretched out on the back seat, but he scoots over as she climbs in, Rowan wedging himself in next to her. It leaves the passenger seat free, and I feel a quiver in my gut as I picture myself taking that spot. “Looks cozy,” Gunnar says, so close to reading my mind it makes my teeth ache. “Let me know if your pack has an opening, okay, Killjoy?”
“Get in line,” I growl, like I have any chance at kicking the giant’s ass, but he just laughs and saunters off. It leaves me alone outside the car while the others stare back at me with varying degrees of disapproval.
“You’re really not coming?” Diana asks, her breath hitching in her throat.
I can’t quite swallow my groan. “I need to stay and make sure the authorities sort this mess out.”
“You’ve got people for that.”
“Yeah, but I’m not taking any chances.” Kane is watching me through narrowed eyes, and I look pointedly towards the woods. “I want that bitch hunted down and behind bars.”
He sighs, but I know he gets it. If Diana wasn’t involved, he’d be right by my side, and he wouldn’t stop until he was certain Lily Luscious could never hurt our mate again. “Well, we’re driving straight to your mansion,” he finally replies, thumbingthe smirk that’s growing on his lips. “So, I guess we’ll be waiting for you in your bed, governor.”
The blow to my gut would hurt less if he punched me. “Fucker.”
“In every way,” he chuckles, gunning the engine and leaving me to scowl at Fox, who’s shaking his head at me from across the battlefield like I’ve just lost my mind.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
I don’t leave the scene until after two in the morning, my head throbbing and my gut churning as I finally make my escape. If the blood and gore weren’t bad enough, I’ve been poked and prodded by paramedics, and politely grilled by the district attorney, a bunch of detectives, and my own damn chief of staff. At least Nathan brought me a new shirt, since mine reeked of Marcus’ remains, and I adjust my cufflinks as my driver speeds through the dark, empty streets. The police chief wanted to give me an escort, but with the task force already mobilizing against the Carrillos, I’m pretty sure the only thing that’s out to get me is the ulcer eating away at my stomach lining.
Because despite the detectives’ assurances and the dozens of cops combing the woods, Lily Luscious is still free and at large.
I swallow a frustrated growl as I peel the gauze back from my wrists and study the raw skin. The paramedics wanted to take me to the hospital, but I shot that idea down quick smart. All the medicine I need is time and a little TLC, both of which I can get in the comfort of the governor’s mansion.
The truth is, I’ve been champing at the bit to head home ever since Kane told me they’d be waiting in my bed. All kinds of erotic images have been taunting me, and I’m pretty sure the paramedics thought I’d suffered a brain injury when they had to ask me the same question three times.
Still, I don’t plan on heading home empty-handed. “Lukas, can you stop somewhere so I can grab a few things?”
He casts a quick look at his GPS. “The only thing between here and the mansion is a convenience store, sir.”
“Seriously?”
“I could detour downtown. Or I could ask someone at the mall to open for you. What kind of shopping are you interested in, governor?”
Frustration burns another hole in my stomach lining, but I shake my head. “No, don’t wake anyone. I’ll just see what I can grab up here.”
He nods, turning the car into the empty lot of a rundown gas station. There’s a small convenience store attached, but we both study it dubiously as he pulls to a stop near the door. “If you want to give me a list, I’ll go in for you, sir.”
“That’s fine,” I tell him, checking my pocket for my wallet. Luckily, the only thing Lily planned to steal was my sanity, so my credit cards are all accounted for. “I’m not quite sure what I’m after yet.”
He looks like he wants to argue, and I wonder if Kane gave him a grilling before he headed out to collect me. “It’s just that I shouldn’t really leave you alone, sir. After tonight’s events…”
“Have you got a gun, Lukas?”
He nods carefully. The guy’s a retired Marine, but I’ve always been very strict about my bodyguards not brandishing their weapons in my face. “I have a concealed carry permit, sir.”
“Then be ready to defend me, whatever it takes.”
He breathes a sigh of relief. “Yes, sir. Thank you, governor.”
